Mitchell High junior Jeff Masterson has been dreaming about winning a state title since the sixth grade. In cross country, he led the 3A state title race for over two miles, but unfortunately faded to a disappointing 10th place showing. But, as a Bible verse in Philippians reads, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize."
Nothing could more clearly describe the state final 3200 meter race for Jeff Masterson. He put the past behind him during the 3200-meter run final. Masterson surged ahead on numerous occasions, but opposing runners seemed to counter his moves each time. During the race, he fell back to as far as sixth. Doubts floated and weighted on his shoulders with a few laps remaining, but they are the same fears that each runner must overcome. With one lap to go, this was Masterson's chance. Jeff pondered to himself in the later stage of the 3200 meters. "You have come so far. It's been such an awesome journey. Now, this is your time. You're 400 meters from a state title." By running a 62 second final four hundred – Jeff won his first Class 3A state title in 9:20.6.
This state champ has overcome so much more than an 18-year old could imagine. But, the emotional, spirited, faith filled, young man presses on. He speaks with a positive outlook on running, life, and his opponents. There are of memories of time spent with his father, but Jeff leans on the Lord during times when his loss surfaces. But, his career has aggrandized through this victory. Always a force, but now a state title is in his pocket. The journey continues for Masterson.
He considered running postseason meets, but his coach probed the question, "How did your season end? "Let's leave it that way. It perfect ending." This victory was the finishing touches to memories of running in local parks with his father in the Tampa area. His father who passed away last season, was his biggest coach, fan, and supporter. There were memories of planning training, and dreams of a state title with his dad. Now it's reality. Masterson doesn't take the credit for his victory and his improvement in running. "I had help from above. It's was just a blur in the final 600 meters." Masterson's Christian faith is essential to tackling the challenges he's faced in so early in life. But, he views life with an eternal perspective. Contrary to our instant gratification culture, Masterson looks at the big picture. "It takes time. You have to do your best and give it to God and let him work with it. I know that I'm being sculpted into the man he wants me to become," says Masterson of his trail filled life.
There is the critical component of Masterson's ability to rejoice whether in victory or in a humbling defeat. He knows his purpose. But, one of the keys to his season was probably the biggest initial letdown. At the Florida Relays this spring, Jeff ran only the mile. He was in the back, and finished well behind his potential. This setback turned Masterson's attitude around. This sparked the desire to make his resilient run to the front to where he knew he belonged.
After a busy spring, Masterson will kick back a little for the summer with some family time with his Mom and his five brothers. "I'm enjoying my time with the family. I'm going to a few running camps – FSU and a team running camp in Tennessee. That's always a great highlight of the summer, " adds Jeff. It's been a taxing track season for the teen, but he can't help thinking what lies ahead for the fall cross season.
Mitchell High junior Jeff Masterson has been dreaming about winning a state title since the sixth grade. In cross country, he led the 3A state title race for over two miles, but unfortunately faded to a disappointing 10th place showing. But, as a Bible verse in Philippians reads, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize."
Nothing could more clearly describe the state final 3200 meter race for Jeff Masterson. He put the past behind him during the 3200-meter run final. Masterson surged ahead on numerous occasions, but opposing runners seemed to counter his moves each time. During the race, he fell back to as far as sixth. Doubts floated and weighted on his shoulders with a few laps remaining, but they are the same fears that each runner must overcome. With one lap to go, this was Masterson's chance. Jeff pondered to himself in the later stage of the 3200 meters. "You have come so far. It's been such an awesome journey. Now, this is your time. You're 400 meters from a state title." By running a 62 second final four hundred – Jeff won his first Class 3A state title in 9:20.6.
This state champ has overcome so much more than an 18-year old could imagine. But, the emotional, spirited, faith filled, young man presses on. He speaks with a positive outlook on running, life, and his opponents. There are of memories of time spent with his father, but Jeff leans on the Lord during times when his loss surfaces. But, his career has aggrandized through this victory. Always a force, but now a state title is in his pocket. The journey continues for Masterson.